George Callow, an apprentice cabinetmaker, has received a British Empire medal for services to skills. George, from Chichester College, won gold for Team UK at WorldSkills in Leipzig, Germany in 2013. He was also named Best of Nation among the 33 apprentices who were part of Team UK.
George, who works as a junior cabinet maker for Hampshire-based furniture manufacturer Cimitree, was head-hunted by his employers after the company saw his work at his college’s end of year furniture show.
Christian Notley, head of Furniture Studies at Chichester College says: “George could not have achieved his gold medal without following an apprenticeship as the combination of training at Chichester College and working Cimitree provided him with the best possible training. Knowledge, skill and speed are all required to become the best in the world, good apprenticeships can offer this.”
Jonathan Ledger, MD of the Proskills UK Group, says: “I am proud to celebrate George’s award from HM The Queen. George has become a true ambassador for vocational skills and apprenticeships on the WorldSkills stage, and also for his country. This will no doubt inspire more youngsters to be part of a niche and exciting industry. It is also a challenge to others across the globe to dare to do better. I must also congratulate Chichester College and George’s course tutors for providing the high quality nurturing environment which allowed George to develop and harness the skills needed to be a gold medal winner. A true champion!”
